2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Mexico

2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Mexico
Disease	Mpox
Virus strain	Monkeypox virus
Location	Mexico
Index case	May 2022
Confirmed cases	3,000+ (as of October 2023)
Deaths	5
Government website
Official Health Ministry Website

The 2022–2023 mpox outbreak in Mexico is part of the global outbreak of mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus. The outbreak in Mexico began in May 2022, with the first confirmed case reported in Mexico City. Since then, the virus has spread to various states across the country, prompting public health responses and international collaboration to contain the spread.

Background

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which is a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive rash. While mpox is endemic to certain regions in Central and West Africa, the 2022 outbreak marked a significant spread to non-endemic countries, including Mexico.

Timeline of the Outbreak

May 2022

The first case of mpox in Mexico was confirmed in May 2022. The patient was a 50-year-old male who had traveled to Europe, where he likely contracted the virus. The case was identified in Mexico City, and health authorities quickly initiated contact tracing and isolation measures.

June 2022

By June 2022, additional cases were reported in Jalisco, Nuevo León, and Yucatán. The Mexican government issued health alerts and began public awareness campaigns to educate the population about the symptoms and transmission of mpox.

July 2022

The number of confirmed cases continued to rise, reaching over 100 by the end of July. The Secretariat of Health intensified its efforts to distribute information and preventive measures, including the importance of hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals.

2023

Throughout 2023, the outbreak persisted, with periodic surges in cases. By October 2023, over 3,000 cases had been confirmed, with five reported deaths. The Mexican government collaborated with international health organizations to secure vaccines and antiviral treatments.

Public Health Response

The Mexican government, through the Secretariat of Health, implemented several measures to control the outbreak:

• Surveillance and Reporting: Enhanced surveillance systems were established to monitor and report new cases.
• Vaccination Campaigns: Vaccination efforts were initiated, targeting high-risk populations and healthcare workers.
• Public Awareness: Campaigns were launched to educate the public on recognizing symptoms and preventing transmission.
• International Collaboration: Mexico worked with the World Health Organization and other international bodies to coordinate response efforts and share data.

Impact on Society

The mpox outbreak in Mexico had significant social and economic impacts. Public fear and misinformation led to stigmatization of affected individuals. The healthcare system faced challenges in managing the outbreak alongside ongoing COVID-19 pandemic efforts.

Also see

• Mpox
• 2022–2023 mpox outbreak
• Public health in Mexico
• Infectious disease outbreaks